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Mystery plant ID? #836078

Asked June 17, 2023, 8:59 AM EDT

We have this plant that has grown up in our barn and it has very little light and no water but it is doing well. We would like to know if you know what it is and we think it's about to flower soon. It's about knee high, and it came up through a pallet with plastic with scattered hay on top. we use to store hay there about 6 years ago when we had horses. This plant has never came up before till this year. Hope you can help us to identify what it is.

Mecosta County Michigan

Expert Response

I believe what you have is a type of aggressive weedy orchid called helleborine, although it is a bit distorted from a lack of light. It is possible that it is either, growing outside your barn and the rhizome has grown inside, or the plant material was introduced by wildlife. I've included an article for comparison and information on removing it.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/homeowners_battling_a_weedy_orchid_invading_lawns_and_flowerbeds
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 8:28 AM EDT

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